Demba Ba admits he sought loan move to Arsenal but is now committed to Chelsea

Demba Ba admits he wanted a loan move to Arsenal before the transfer window shut but is now fully committed to Chelsea.

Last Updated: 18/09/13 7:59pm

Demba Ba: Fully committed to Chelsea

The Senegal striker, a January signing of former Blues boss Rafael Benitez, has cut a peripheral figure in Jose Mourinho's second stint at the Chelsea helm.

The 28-year-old could make his Champions League debut when Chelsea play Basel in Group E on Wednesday night after vowing to fight for his place.

Mourinho preferred to allow Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku to move on loan, for a second season, to Everton than to send Ba to the Emirates Stadium on transfer deadline day, having added a fourth striker in Samuel Eto'o to his playing pool.

"I was ready to go and to play there (at Arsenal), but it didn't happen," Ba said.

"I think I'm a good professional, and I've always worked hard to deserve what I have. Until today I will keep doing the same.

"I told him (Mourinho) if I stay I will keep fighting for the club and for the side. That's it.

"Now what matters is the next months, the next years with Chelsea and that's it."

Ba's reason for having his head turned by the Gunners was the opportunity to play.

However, he knows his performances will determine whether he is selected by Mourinho.

"I wanted to play and I want to play," Ba added.

"It all depends on me and it depends on the performance I'm going to put on the pitch. If I play good, I think I will deserve to play and the manager will put me on the pitch, because that's how he is.